Mama's Best Macaroni and Cheese

Dive into comfort food heaven with Mama's Best Macaroni and Cheese, a rich and creamy baked delight that's sure to become a family favorite. This indulgent recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a luxurious, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan, elevated with a touch of Dijon mustard and paprika for a subtle depth of flavor. Topped with golden, crunchy panko breadcrumbs, this dish delivers the perfect balance of creamy and crispy textures in every bite. Ready in under an hour, it's perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or holiday feasts. Whether you're seeking the ultimate baked macaroni and cheese recipe or a cozy comfort food classic, Mama's Best Macaroni and Cheese will leave everyone coming back for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 9

Let the macaroni and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy masterpiece!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2004.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5522.6

Total Fat 308.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 175.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 871.8mg	0%
Sodium 6701.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 457.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.3g	0%
Total Sugars 55.1g
Protein 215.6g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 4220.8mg	0%
Iron 22.3mg	0%
Potassium 1489.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.8%

Protein: 15.8%

Carbs: 33.4%